Writer: Si Spurrier
Art: Bob Quinn, VC’s Clayton Cowles, Tom Muller, Marte Garcia, Java Tartaglia, and Giuseppe Camuncoli
Publisher: Marvel Comics
Price:$3.99
Release Date: June 23rd, 2021
Welcome to another edition of the HELLFIRE GALA Tie-ins featuring WAY OF X #3 by Si Spurrier. Meanwhile, Nightcrawler attempts to dig up the wicked working in the shadows to destroy Krakoa by exploring all its laws starting with the idea of “Make More Mutants”. Let’s dive into this week’s WAY OF X issue and see what Nightcrawler uncovers alongside the likes of Legion and Nemesis.
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IN THE BEGINNING
Genesis 1:28 says, “God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.’” Comparatively, the first “rule” of Krakoan culture is to Make More Mutants. So, as a new civilization is created, like God created man, mutants are adhering to a very similar system and structure. However, the tone of the X-MEN comics since HOXPOX has had the undertones of the back half of Genesis implied, which is to “subdue it”. Fill the Earth (or in this case even Mars)… that part’s written. However, according to many of the mutants in charge, that first rule also has the underlying theme of subduing it too.
THE DISPATCH
Well, WAY OF X #3 takes X-MEN fans from a point of view perspective from everyone’s favorite blue elf. Truthfully, I understand Spurrier’s writing style and connection within the other issues but for those following the HELLFIRE GALA, it felt like wasted page count. Nevertheless, Nightcrawler takes readers down a paralleled biblical path exposing more problems within the heart of man and mutant alike.
It’s actually Nightcrawler’s line to Stacy X that stood out the most in this issue of WAY OF X. He says, “you made a brothel in the Garden of Eden.” Yup. Fallen man or mutant alike, when left to our own devices, we’re just rotten to the core. It’s been said, “the road to hell is paved in good intentions.” Well, Spurrier is ultimately using WAY OF X to highlight many of those good intentions gone bad.
Lastly, the book touches on ONSLAUGHT but as a “psychic chimera”, which was rather confusing and hard to understand. I can’t completely knock Spurrier because his story has yet to unfold. However, this issue of WAY OF X didn’t divulge much information on the ONSLAUGHT front nor did it reveal much in the how or why department of the narrative. Furthermore, issues one and two had some cliffhangers to hang our hats on while WAY OF X #3 just kind of… ends.
ART
The utter standout aspect of this issue came as Bob Quinn’s team put Legion’s powers on full display. The twisted panel layouts, as well as the almost psychedelic color scheme, amplified Legion’s abilities and made him practically the star of the issue. Heck, even the heavy detail involved with the celebratory “mutant orgy” on Arakko (now Mars) showed the in-depth features this creative team has in making this series thorough and exhaustive.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Overall, WAY OF X #3 was deeper and more thought-provoking even with its Christian undertones. Yet, it still lacks substance towards the overall development of the story. I left the issue wondering what readers really garnered from the issue. That said, WAY OF X wasn’t bad by any stretch. Still, anyone searching for plot development and direction may come up a bit short. As of now, I’m still having a hard time with the “Hermeneutics” of this series. What’s it trying to be? What is it really saying? Hopefully, now that there appears to be a core cast of characters, Spurrier can usher this story forward. Let me know what you think, have a great week, and God bless!